Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

African Cemetery No. 2

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

1. African Cemetery No. 2 Marker (Side A)

Inscription.
Earliest recorded cemetery in Lexington to be organized, owned, and managed by African Americans. The site has been in existence since 1869. Trustees of Benevolent Society No. 2 successfully operated cemetery. Many individuals buried here were important leaders in the community.

Buried here are leaders of: Ladies Auxiliary Society No. 2, Colored People's Union Benevolent Society No. 1, Lexington A and M Fair of Colored People, Colored Orphan Industrial Home, the horse-racing industry, early public schools for African Americans, individuals for social and economic advancement after Civil War. Members of the U.S. Colored Troops buried here.

Erected 2003 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways; Presented by African Cemetery No. 2, Inc. (Marker Number 2110.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 38° 3.015′ N, 84° 28.698′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Kentucky, in Fayette County. Marker is on East 7th Street south of Pemberton Lane, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 419 East 7th Street, Lexington KY 40508, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Buffalo Soldiers (within shouting distance of this marker); Groomsman (within shouting distance of this marker); Hostlers (within shouting distance of this marker); Trainers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cassius Clay Tankersly (c. 1866-1886) (about 300 feet away); James 'Soup' Perkins (about 300 feet away); Oliver Lewis (about 400 feet away); Farriers (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.

Also see . . . African Cemetery No. 2. Cemetery website. Includes photographs, historical profiles and an hourlong documentary on the cemetery. (Submitted on March 30, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

African Cemetery No. 2 Marker (Side B) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

2. African Cemetery No. 2 Marker (Side B)

African Cemetery No. 2 Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

3. African Cemetery No. 2 Marker

African Cemetery No. 2 image. Click for more information.

via NPS, unknown

4. African Cemetery No. 2

National Register of Historic Places Digital Archive on NPGallery website entry
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Arthur Black Grave Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

5. Arthur Black Grave Site

Clarence Espy Grave Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

6. Clarence Espy Grave Site

William Carpenter Grave Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

7. William Carpenter Grave Site

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 289 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 30, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4. submitted on January 10, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 31, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.